keep business

USAGE SUMMARY

When used together, "keep business" is not a complete sentence and does not make grammatical sense on its own.
However, there are a few situations where this phrase could be used effectively in written English. 1. As a verb phrase: In this context, "keep" is being used as a verb and "business" is the direct object. This phrase could be used to convey the idea of maintaining or managing one's business affairs or activities. For example: "I need to keep business running smoothly while I am away on vacation." 2. As a noun phrase: Here, "keep" is the main verb and "business" is a noun, functioning as the subject or object of the sentence. In this case, "business" refers to one's work or occupation. For example: "I appreciate your help, but I need to keep business going during this busy season." 3. As an idiomatic expression: In colloquial language, the phrase "keep business" can be used to mean minding one's own business or not interfering in someone else's affairs. For example: "I don't want any trouble, so let's just keep business and stay out of each other's way." Overall, "keep business" is a versatile.

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Also, write names down and keep business cards.

Columbia University

Everyone understands that companies need to keep business travel costs down.

The Economist

I will import a small quantity just to keep business going".

The New York Times

And the overhang of excess capacity is likely to keep business investment depressed for years.

The New York Times

My French friends are trying to keep business as usual and not discuss it.

The Guardian

We've got hotels willing to come up with package deals to keep business going.

The New York Times

Tax issues also tend to keep business offshore while not preventing a huge outflow of capital.

The New York Times

The people we count on to keep business and leisure travel flowing passed the test this time.

The Economist

For now, those cheap panels are helping to keep business brisk for installers large and small across the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Staying close to her roots in faith and family, meanwhile, helps keep business-related problems in perspective.

Forbes

Usually, insurers try to keep business expenses to a minimum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In crisis situations, focus on strategies to "keep business afloat" by adapting to changing market conditions and customer needs.

Common error

Avoid blurring the lines between personal life and professional duties. Clearly define working hours and roles to "keep business business" and preserve healthy relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep business" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "keep" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase needs additional context to form a complete sentence, typically followed by additional words that define the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

8%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep business" functions as a verb phrase that generally signifies maintaining or sustaining commercial operations. Ludwig's AI analysis indicates that while the phrase itself is not a complete sentence, its meaning is clear when used with additional words or context. It is frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, suggesting a neutral to professional tone. The phrase is quite common across various sources, with several authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian using it frequently. Related phrases include "maintain business operations" and "ensure business continuity". Using this phrase effectively involves keeping business and personal matters separate and devising strategies for stability during economic challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep business going

Focuses on the continuation of business operations.

keep the business running

Emphasizes keeping the business functioning and operational.

maintain business operations

Focuses on the continuation of operational activities within a company.

sustain business activity

Highlights the effort to ensure ongoing commercial actions and transactions.

ensure business continuity

Stresses the importance of preventing interruptions to business processes.

preserve business relationships

Emphasizes the maintenance of connections and partnerships crucial for business.

retain business clients

Stresses the importance of holding onto existing customers.

continue business dealings

Focuses on the uninterrupted execution of commercial agreements and transactions.

keep business afloat

Highlights the struggle and effort required to maintain a company's solvency.

support business growth

Highlights actions taken to foster business expansion and development.

FAQs

How can I "keep business" stable during an economic downturn?

Consider strategies such as diversifying your product offerings, reducing overhead costs, and enhancing customer retention efforts. Maintaining strong customer relationships and adapting to market changes are crucial.

What does it mean to "keep business" separate from personal matters?

It involves maintaining distinct boundaries between your professional and private life. This includes managing finances separately, setting clear working hours, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Which phrase is better to use: "keep business running" or "keep business going"?

Both phrases are semantically very similar, and their interchangeable nature makes them both usable. The decision of which phrase to use depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Keep business running" might suggest continuous operation, while "keep business going" implies sustaining it through challenges.

How do I "keep business" without relying on traditional advertising?

Focus on building strong relationships with your existing customers, leveraging word-of-mouth marketing, and creating valuable content that attracts and engages your target audience.